GOP super PAC launches six-figure ad buy in Upton’s Michigan district

A GOP super PAC made a six-figure ad buy this week in Rep. Fred Upton’s (R-Mich.) district, with just days to go before the midterm elections.

The Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF) made the ad buy earlier this week, according to FEC filings, which reports more than $178,000 for media placement in the district.

{mosads}The move comes as part of a larger set of contributions from the CLF that total around $400,000, a source familiar with the matter told The Hill on Friday.

The Detroit News previously reported the $400,000 in spending from the CLF, which launched ads supporting the 16-term incumbent and attacking Upton’s opponent as a “dangerous liberal.”

Upton’s district is rated “likely Republican” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, while RealClear Politics lists it as “leans Republican.” The district is one of several the CLF sees as crucial to maintaining control of the House when voters head to the polls on Nov. 6.

FiveThirtyEight’s average of polls found Upton has a 4.5 point advantage over Democratic challenger Matt Longjohn, and gives Longjohn a 1-in-6 chance of unseating Upton.

Democrats need to pick up 23 seats in the House to win control of the chamber. A generic ballot poll released this week found Democrats have a single-digit advantage over Republicans.

Updated at 3:01 p.m. on Friday.